Men! Do not approach women alone in the woods! How fucking dumb are you? I hate this happened to you, but it is so familiar. Ugh.
"Every time I seem to carve out a safe space for myself, someone seems to come and sully it with their existence." I felt this in my bones. I wore a skirt in public for the first time in years the other day and wondered how long it would take to be sexually harassed. Three hours, if anyone cares. I went absolutely nuts. Not saying anyone else should, either. The threat of violence is very real. At least I was in a pizza shop (?!) so I felt safe to scream obscenities, lol.
Some man approaching me while alone would put me on edge too. I usually take my dog on walks but she can barely do a mile anymore so I tend to go alone these days. Thankfully it is usually just happy trails folks that say "hello" or "good morning" and keep it moving. Thanks for sharing this story!
So far so good. And then one of my followers hit me with the news that a college student was JUST murdered while out for a run in the woods. It sounded so specific. But, also...thanks follower that scared the shit out of me bc I don't read or watch the news.
Powerful, as usual. Real and true, as usual. Compelling and multi-layered, as usual. Courageous, always. My hero. Keep writing. Keep going. Keep thinking deeply and creating and cooking and taking care of yourself. You are a treasure and a rare jewel, brave and tenacious. You feed us and it is a huge gift. May it be financially manifested in your life as well, SOON! THANK YOU for the recipes archived so we can browse and find treasure. Brilliant. Lots of work for you, big boon for us. I would have responded the same way you did. Wanting to say no, but doing the "math" of "what are my options? what is my vulnerability in this time and place?" And then doing what I could do. I'm glad you told us. I want you to be walking, that is FanTAStic! And I want you to be able to walk in places that are lovely and inspiring and good for your heart and soul.
Damn. Lots of that in the nature around here-- with the outdoorsy types who are pumped on their own adrenaline and physical health. Bet he was thinking briefly he was one of the good guys, for being "friendly" but really just wanting a photo for social media, and used you as a selfie stick. I hope he got some burrs, or a tick (do you have ticks out there?) or at least something that caused high-level discomfort, if he has to sit down maybe some self awareness will creep in. AND hope that the next time you are able to stake out some nature for yourself, it stays just you and the bunnies. I would fashion a walking stick with a poison dart at the end, if I could. Though maybe a big old walking stick would be weapon enough. I am sorry that happened-- after all the bunnies that brought some peaceful feelings-- and the excellent feeling of walking that mile.
Lots of hard same. My gender is kinda ambiguous but I'm fat and wear a mask so pretty scared to start a walking routine, specifically because of Certain People
Men! Do not approach women alone in the woods! How fucking dumb are you? I hate this happened to you, but it is so familiar. Ugh.
"Every time I seem to carve out a safe space for myself, someone seems to come and sully it with their existence." I felt this in my bones. I wore a skirt in public for the first time in years the other day and wondered how long it would take to be sexually harassed. Three hours, if anyone cares. I went absolutely nuts. Not saying anyone else should, either. The threat of violence is very real. At least I was in a pizza shop (?!) so I felt safe to scream obscenities, lol.
You'd think that would go without saying! Meh.
Some man approaching me while alone would put me on edge too. I usually take my dog on walks but she can barely do a mile anymore so I tend to go alone these days. Thankfully it is usually just happy trails folks that say "hello" or "good morning" and keep it moving. Thanks for sharing this story!
So far so good. And then one of my followers hit me with the news that a college student was JUST murdered while out for a run in the woods. It sounded so specific. But, also...thanks follower that scared the shit out of me bc I don't read or watch the news.
Powerful, as usual. Real and true, as usual. Compelling and multi-layered, as usual. Courageous, always. My hero. Keep writing. Keep going. Keep thinking deeply and creating and cooking and taking care of yourself. You are a treasure and a rare jewel, brave and tenacious. You feed us and it is a huge gift. May it be financially manifested in your life as well, SOON! THANK YOU for the recipes archived so we can browse and find treasure. Brilliant. Lots of work for you, big boon for us. I would have responded the same way you did. Wanting to say no, but doing the "math" of "what are my options? what is my vulnerability in this time and place?" And then doing what I could do. I'm glad you told us. I want you to be walking, that is FanTAStic! And I want you to be able to walk in places that are lovely and inspiring and good for your heart and soul.
Damn. Lots of that in the nature around here-- with the outdoorsy types who are pumped on their own adrenaline and physical health. Bet he was thinking briefly he was one of the good guys, for being "friendly" but really just wanting a photo for social media, and used you as a selfie stick. I hope he got some burrs, or a tick (do you have ticks out there?) or at least something that caused high-level discomfort, if he has to sit down maybe some self awareness will creep in. AND hope that the next time you are able to stake out some nature for yourself, it stays just you and the bunnies. I would fashion a walking stick with a poison dart at the end, if I could. Though maybe a big old walking stick would be weapon enough. I am sorry that happened-- after all the bunnies that brought some peaceful feelings-- and the excellent feeling of walking that mile.
You are an amazing and very talented writer---you have the gift.
Sorry the creepers keep finding you.
If you don't walk with your friend, carry a big stick.
Catlinshiloh@gmail.com
Catsmeaux
Lots of hard same. My gender is kinda ambiguous but I'm fat and wear a mask so pretty scared to start a walking routine, specifically because of Certain People
Thank you for writing. Your words inspire, soothe, stir up, comfort, aggravate, and bless my soul!